Government must pause decision on adding private schools to Free SHS
The decision by the government to extend the Free SHS policy to private schools is uncalled for an economy that is gradually recovering.
The implementation of the policy in 2016 has experienced challenges in its management and sustainability, though the policy largely benefits the majority, particularly the less privileged.
The current administration, as part of its campaign, promised a comprehensive review of the policy.
Many Ghanaians are curious about the amount of investment over the eight years, the true beneficiaries, the loopholes and importantly, the evaluation of the entire system with regards to the outcome.
These are yet to be made known to the taxpayer, mindful of the source of funding, which is largely the pocket of the taxpayer.
These probes should be made available to the taxpayers before considering any model of extension to private schools, which obviously would be an additional burden to the taxpayer on the back of an economy which seems to be gradually recovering from local and international shocks.
The policy introduced in 2016 by the then administration undoubtedly considered the plight of many Ghanaians due to the deficiency in access to secondary education.
As part of the evaluation, the question must be asked if that objective has been achieved.
Including private schools in the initiative will mean more spending.
It is undoubtedly unwise to implement policies that have a long-term financial burden on citizens.
It might seem justifiable as a manifesto promise and convenient now that the cedi is appreciating and prices of goods are reducing, but the sustainability of this must be of major concern to all.
The government must reverse the decision and critically examine both internal and external factors to ensure the burden is not placed back on the people.
Samuel Awuni.
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